'TCF Bandit' reward increases

The reward for information leading to the arrest of the so-called "TCF Bandit" has been increased to $20,000, the Chicago office of the FBI announced Thursday.

Special Agent Robert Grant said in a news release that the thief, who is so-named because most of his targets have been TCF banks set in grocery stores, is believed to be responsible for at least 11 Chicago-area thefts, dating back to February 2007.

The most recent theft he is suspected of was on Monday, Dec. 7 at a TCF at a Jewel-Osco at 153 E. Schiller St. in Elmhurst.

In each theft, the suspect displays a note saying he has a handgun and threatens the employee with harm. The man is described as a white male, 35 to 45 years of age, between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches tall with a heavy build and dark hair. He has worn a cap and sunglasses at each theft.

Security camera photos are available at www.bandittrackerchicago.com. Anyone with information can call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.

The FBI says he should be considered armed and dangerous.